I'll cover everything you need to know about composite diamond rings in this article. Aside from providing an answer to what does composite diamond mean, I’ll also help you make an informed decision when it comes to buying diamond rings. Read on to unearth answers to some of the biggest questions.
Key Takeaways
- Composite diamonds are affordable alternatives to solitaire diamonds as they offer the same carat weight.
- The cost isn’t the only advantage; composite diamonds offer unique designs perfect for both formal and casual wear.
- Composite diamond rings are a perfect solution if you enjoy multiple cuts on a single ring.
- If you want to buy a composite diamond, approach it with full awareness of its disadvantages.
What Does Composite Diamond Mean?
Diamonds have been popular gems for hundreds of years, and many brides in the future will pick these precious gems for their rings because of the brilliance these diamonds offer. Unfortunately, large diamonds can cost thousands of dollars, which isn't affordable for most individuals.
The good news is that there's an affordable solution that offers the same brilliance as a larger diamond, which is a composite diamond. So what is a composite diamond?
In the sections below, I'll provide the best answer to this question. I'll also discuss what composite diamonds are, their pros and cons, and answer some of the most asked questions. Let’s dig deep into the world of composite diamond rings to discover more.
What Are Composite Diamonds?
In simple terms, a composite diamond is a piece of diamond jewelry that consists of multiple smaller diamonds fused together to create the appearance and feel of a big diamond. Experts press tiny diamonds against each other to create one large diamond or enhance the brilliance of a composite diamond piece.
When experts fuse two natural diamonds, that is known as a doublet, and when they combine three, it's known as a triplet.
Most composite diamonds consist of more than three stones with either the same or different colors or sizes. A diamond composite ring offers a unique style compared to a solitaire diamond ring.
Are Composite Diamonds Real?
Most composite diamonds are real, as they are made from smaller mined diamonds. However, some are made up of other diamond simulants like cubic Zirconia, moissanite, and lab-grown diamonds.
It isn’t the way the small diamonds are arranged on top of the composite ring that determines whether they are natural or not. It's either you have a composite diamond with real small diamonds or one with simulated diamonds.
Carat Weight vs. Total Carat Weight
When searching for composite diamond jewelry online, you’ve probably come across the carat total weight (CTTW). The total carat weight usually appears along with carat weight, clarity, cut, and color.
CTTW involves the total weight of the multiple diamonds in a given diamond piece of jewelry, and you can also find it written as CTW or CT TW.
Remember, CTTW doesn’t measure the weight of other gemstones added to the large diamond ring; it’s only used for measuring artificial or natural diamonds. On the other hand, carat weight refers to the weight of a single stone, which can be a natural or a lab-grown diamond.
Pros of Composite Diamonds
There are many benefits to purchasing composite rings over traditional diamonds. In this section, I’ll cover all the advantages so that you can decide if a composite diamond ring is better than a traditional diamond ring.
Ideal for Casual Wear
A composite diamond ring is considered more ideal for casual wear than a solitaire ring, and on top of that, it adds a unique style to your piece of jewelry.
It also offers a different touch, making it a perfect complement to other pieces of jewelry. For example, if you own a colorless solitaire ring, you can add different diamond colors to your style using a composite diamond.
Come in Various Designs
There are many composite diamond rings to choose from, as they come in different designs. While classic diamond rings have only one or two diamonds with the same or different colors, their composite counterparts feature three, four, or even five differently colored gemstones.
You can also find a diamond ring that has one center diamond and a beautiful diamond lining. In most cases, you’ll find engagement rings with a yellow center stone and colorless diamonds around it.
Can Hold Many Types of Gems
Composite diamonds can be made from different precious stones, lab-grown diamonds, or other gems. A diamond expert can combine real diamonds with other gems like moissanite and sapphires.
These gemstones usually offer almost the same appearance as a genuine diamond. If you’re a fan of multiple rings, having different types of precious stones makes sense.
Imitate Larger Stones
Well-designed composite diamonds imitate the feel and appearance of larger diamonds as long as the color of the fused pieces is the same. Unless you’re keen, you’ll not notice that the beautiful jewelry you are looking at is made up of tiny diamond pieces. This type of composite diamond ring is an ideal choice if you are looking for a large engagement ring at an affordable price.
Are More Affordable
Composite diamonds are more affordable than their traditional equivalents. As you already know the hefty price tag that traditional diamonds come with, you’ll be more than happy to find a composite diamond that offers the same carat and brilliance at a lower cost. For instance, a three-carat diamond does not cost twice as much as a diamond with a lower-carat weight.
Cons of Composite Diamonds
Just like any other product in the jewelry industry, composite diamonds have their downsides, which include:
Future Repair Costs
Before you can purchase your favorite composite diamond ring, you need to be aware of future repairs. Most composite diamonds require cleanings and touch-ups over the years. The structure and uniqueness of composite diamonds make them difficult to clean and repair. If one of the smaller pieces falls out, it isn’t easy to find a perfect match. That means you must pay more to have a piece of diamond cut into the right-sized diamond.
Diminished Fire and Brilliance
While experts can place single stone pieces and form a round shape that offers the same fire and brilliance as a larger gemstone, it will fall short with time. The big gemstone will remain intact, offering a larger surface area that allows it to reflect and refract light before dispersing all of it.
On the other hand, the several diamonds joined can leave tiny spaces between them, leading to poor quality fire and brilliance in the future.
How to Care for a Composite Diamond Ring?
Any engagement ring with a diamond piece is delicate, meaning you need to handle it with care. Always remember these important tips:
- Use dishwashing soap with warm water for excellent cleaning results.
- Store it in a safe cloth-lined jewelry box anytime you aren't wearing it.
- Don’t wear the diamond ring when doing strenuous activities or manual labor.
Final Thoughts: Is a Composite Diamond Right for You?
A composite diamond provides an affordable alternative to all other gemstone styles. You can find a piece with the same carat and total weight but on a friendly budget.
The price is the main benefit that composite diamonds offer, but they also provide unique designs that blend smoothly with both formal and casual wear.
FAQs about Composite Diamonds
Are Composite Diamonds Good Quality?
Composite diamonds offer good quality at an economical price. Just ensure you’re dealing with a trusted jeweler and the diamond was crafted perfectly.
Is Composite Diamond Fake?
A composite diamond isn’t fake. The jeweler will specify whether the pieces used are natural or artificial.
What’s the Difference between a Composite Diamond and a Real Diamond?
A real diamond features one perfectly cut precious stone. On the other hand a composite diamond is made up of several tiny diamonds.
What is CT TW Diamond Composite?
The weight of jewelry pieces that contain several artificial or natural diamonds is defined in terms of total carat weight, which CT TW, CTTW, or TW can represent.